Lifting equipment for the assemblage in vertical direction of building constructions machines and plants

ABSTRACT

A system for lifting objects, e.g. parts of a building to be erected, wherein a plurality of lifting devices are spaced along the object and are connected thereto by threaded rods. The device comprises an upper and a lower member interconnected by a hydraulic jack and nuts on each of the members rotatable by mechanical means. The synchronization of the devices is carried out by a relay arrangement such that each device is associated with a respective switch having a plurality of contacts and coupled with the means for advancing one of the members with respect to the other. Movement is done in stages with each contact signaling the completion of its associated stage for all of the devices before any of them is energized to begin the second movement stage.

United States Patent [72] Inventors I-Iristo Ivanov Gretchenliev;

- Atanas Gueorguiev Radev, Sofia, Bulgaria [21 1 Appl. No. 759,424 [22]Filed Sept. 12, 1968 [45] Patented Mar. 16, 1971 [73] AssigneeNautchno-Izsledovatelski Stroitelen Institut Sofia, Bulgaria [32]Priority Sept. 20, 1967 [3 3] Bulgaria [31] I-l3 23 [54] LIFTINGEQUIPMENT FOR THE ASSEMBLAGE IN VERTICAL DIRECTION OF BUILDINGCONSTRUCTION S MACHINES AND PLANTS 6 Claims, 6 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S.Cl 254/106 [51] Int. Cl B661 1/00, E02d 21/00 [50] Field ofSearch 254/(Cursory), 105,106,107

[5 6] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,028,143 4/1962 Cheskin254/105 3,053,015 9/1962 Graham 254/106X 3,201,088 8/1965 Long 254/105X3,230,784 III 966 Vonl-leidenstam 254/105X 3,244,014 4/1966 Hamaker....254/105X 3,278,158 10/1966 Saldana 254/106 3,389,890 6/1968 Bradbury254/106 Primary Examiner-Othell M. Simpson Assistant ExaminerDavid R.Melton Attorney-Karl F. Ross ABSTRACT: A system for lifting objects,e.g. parts of a building to be erected, wherein a plurality of liftingdevices are spaced along the object and are connected thereto bythreaded rods. The device comprises an upper and a lower memberinterconnected by a hydraulic jack and nuts on each stage.

PATENTED NARI 6 I97| SHEET 1 OF 3 1N VENTOR. H.l. GRETCHENLIEV A. G.RADEV aarl g Tn.

ATTORNEY FIG.2

PATENTED mm s l97| SHEET 2 OF 3 INVENTOR. A gRETCHENLIEV RADEV [Karl 9E'Jiw ATTORNEY LIIFTING EQMENT FOR THE ASSEMBLAGE IN VEERTTQAL DIRECTIONOF BIDWG CONSTRUCTIONS MACK-ITNES AND PLANTS The present inventionrelates to lifting equipment for the assembly in vertical direction ofbuildings, machines, plants and the like wherein the hoisting isachieved by the reciprocating movement of a plurality of electrohydromechanically actuated hoisting devices.

Lifting equipment is known, wherein the hoisting devices are actuated byhydraulic or electrohydraulic means, and the synchronizing systemsecuring the hoisting conveyance is operated on hydraulic principles.The feeding of the lifting apparatus is achieved by means of separatearmored rubber tubes through a high-delivery pumping set with an averagepressure of 50-150 atm. The synchronization of the hoisting velocity ofall of the hoisting devices is accomplished via a hand-operated centralcontrol panel by regulation of the feeding hydraulic fluid of eachhoisting device. The utilization of a plurality of armored rubber tubesfor each hoisting device requires a considerable number of rubber tubes,having a limited durability. Furthermore the synchronization of thehoisting velocity is subject to supervision by an operator, thus notinsuring the cases of an unequal hoisting velocity, a lowering of theindividual suspension points and an overloading of some of the hoistingdevices. The hydraulic system securing the'hoisting conveyance requiresa central pump with a high delivery and respectively an increasedelectrical power. The net weight of the single hoisting device is veryhigh (at a carrying capacity of 60 tons it is 320 to 400 kg).

There is lifting equipment known, which are only mechanically actuated,wherein the hoisting conveyance is secured by means of supporting nuts,screwed through a ratchet mechanism. The latter is actuated by means ofa central hoist through a continuous cable. Such lifting equipment isnotable for its restricted carrying capacity (up to 2025 tons) of theindividual hoisting device and for the rapid wear of the supportingspindles, the nuts and the axial bearings.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide lifting apparatus,in which the shortcomings of known lifting apparatus is avoided.

The hoisting devices of the lifting apparatus in accordance with thepresent invention, are operated in accordance with electrohydromechanical principles: with their own high pres sure charging pump up to500 atm. individually driven by an electric motor and a mechanically orotherwise actuated synchronizing system securing the hoistingconveyance. The automatic synchronization of the hoisting velocity ofthe hoisting devices included in this lifting equipment is ensuredthrough a central control panel, supplied with information units,information processing elements, controls and other elements monitoringthe hoisting process, all the elements of the panel being completelyelectrically operated.

A preferred embodiment of the lifting equipment complete with thehoisting devices and the control panel in accordance with the inventionis hereinafter particularly described with reference to the accompanyingdrawing in which:

FIG. l is a front elevation of a hoisting device in schematicalrepresentation;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of a hoisting device in schematicalrepresentation;

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of the control panel;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of the hoisting device operating mode:

FIG. 5 is a diagram of the hoisting device during the workingtstroke ofthe hydraulic jack; and

FIG. 6 is a diagram of the hoisting device showing the return movementof the hydraulic jack.

The lifting equipment in accordance with the present invent'ioncomprises a plurality of hoisting devices, a control panel and aplurality of connecting cables.

The hoisting devices represent a hauling up appliance (machine) with acarrying capacity in accordance with the requirements of the assemblyprocedure, e.g. 40 to 100 tons.

' (At a carrying capacity of 60 tons the net weight of a single hoistingdevice is 240 kg). The hoisting devices (FIGS. 1 and 2) secure thehoisting conveyance by the reciprocating movement (FIG. 4, 5 and 6) of abuilt-in hydraulic jack 3, operated by means of a separatevariable-stroke high pressure pump 5, driven by an electric motor. Thehoisting conveyance is achieved by means of supporting nuts 14 and 18,screwed through an automatically operated mechanism or an electricallydriven system with a hydraulic clutch being synchronized with themovement of the jack 3. Each hoisting device comprises the supportingspindles 13, with the upper supporting nuts 14 and the lower supportingnuts 18, an upper and a lower transverse bridge 1 and 2, a hydraulicjack 3, a synchronizing system including gears and a multilead spindlewith a nut 7, a hydraulic unit including a distribution valve, a safetyvalve, a throttle and a manometer, an electric motor 4, a multipistonadjustable high pressure petroleum pump 5, a level indicator 8,interlocking contacts 10, electromagnets 9 for the control of the pumpand a distribution'valve.

The control panel for the automatic synchronization, is an electricallyoperated relay system, ensuring the synchronization of the hoistingvelocity of a limitless number of hoisting devices, i.g. 24, 30, 36 andmore, through the geometrical (in accordance the reference level) andthe power (in accordance with the fluid pressure) levelling of thesingle hoisting devices and by the control of the supporting nuts. Thecontrol panel for the automatic synchronization comprises a relay unitfor the processing of the information supplied from each individualhoisting device, an illuminated'indicator panel with a fixed number ofreference levels for the visual monitoring of the hoisting operationsand the synchronization, a panel for the manual control of eachindividual hoisting device, a terminal panel, a current distributionpanel and a plurality of connecting cables with couplings.

The lifting equipment operates in the following manner.

A determined number of hoisting devices are mounted on service supports(columns) 20 (FIG. 4) erected on the spots defined in the assemblyproject. By means of the supporting spindles and a connecting clutchwith a ball-headed bolt, each individual hoisting device is fastened tothe structure to be lifted. Through a multicore cable provided withcouplings, every hoisting device is connected with the. central controlpanel, whereof it is supplied with electric power and throughinformation signals about the position of the single hoisting devicesthe control panel performs the control operations, securing thesynchronization of the complete hoisting equipment.

In the initial position (FIG. 4) all hoisting devices are on thebaseline. The level indicators 8 (FIG. 1) are adjusted on the firstreference level spacing, thus closing the circuit of the individualrelay N (FIG. 3) and illuminating the respective indicator lamps of thefirst reference level spacing 1 (FIG. .3). In this position the circuitof the relay C (FIG. 3), the contacts thereof supplying with 220 v. theelectromagnets, which control the pump 5 (FIG. 1) is closed. Theelectromagnets 9 (FIG. 1) actuate the pumps for their maximum deliveryand put the distribution valve of the hydraulic unit 6 (FIG. 1) in sucha position, that a communication way between the pump 5 and thehydraulic jack 3 (FIG. 1) is established. The hoisting operation beginsat all suspension points simultaneously. In each individual hoistingdevice performing the first reference level spacing, respective thelevel indicator 8 (on one of the supporting spindles of each hoistingdevice) switches over on the next in turn second reference levelspacing, whereby its individual relay N releases the armature and closesthe circuit of the luminous signal with diminished luminosity, anindication that the respective hoisting device is in an awaitingposition. Through a contact positioned in the manometer of everyhoisting device (adjustable for different pressures) the circuit of theelectromagnet 9, controlling the pump of the respective hoisting device,is opened when the allowable pressure is exceeded, thus securing thecontrol of the lifting equipment in accordance with the geometricallevel as well as with the fluid pressure. When all hoisting devices arein the awaiting position, the relay C and the group relay A (FIG. 3) ofthe first reference level spacing are disconnected, the group relay B(FIG. 3) of the second reference level spacing is switched on, theindicator lamps of the control panel illuminate with full luminosity,the relay C is energized and the hoisting operation goes on in thesecond reference level spacing. In such a way the working stroke of thehoisting devices is accomplished, i.e. a hoisting conveyance up to adetermined height (a reference levei spacing of 0.05 mm. and more,usually 2 to 4 mm.). These operations are repeated for the third and thefourth reference level spacings, which are monitored on the illuminatedindicator panel in the upward direction. After the fourth referencelevei spacing is reached, the levels are repeated periodically. With thehelp of the synehronizating system, during the working stroke of everyhoisting device the hoisting conveyance of the supporting spindles issecured through the lower supporting nuts 18 (FIG. 1 the latter beingclosely screwed on the lower transverse bridge of the hoisting device.

When the working stroke of the hydraulic jacks 3 (FIG. 5) is out, aninstruction return is supplied to the control panel by means of a masterpushbutton, mounted on one of the hoisting devices, which switches onthe circuit of the relay Z, thus actuating the electromagnets of thedistribution valves. All hoisting devices return, under the action ofsprings or hydraulically, to the initial position (FIG. 6). Everyhoisting device, being in the initial position, actuates its ownpushbutton S (FIG. 3), the contacts of the latter being normally closed,and the respective circuit is opened. When the iast hoisting deviceattains the initial position, the relay Z is switched off and a newworking stroke of the hydraulic jack begins. With the help of thesynchronizating system, during the return stroke of the hydraulic jack,the upper supporting nuts 14 (FIG. 2) are screwed closely on the uppertransverse bridge of the hoisting device, thus realizing a catch on thesupporting spindle equal to the already performed working stroke. Insuch a way the hoisting conveyance of the constructional element iselevated up to the determined height, where it is secured in the serviceposition.

During the hoisting step the lifting equipment is secured againstoverloading, speedup or other breakdowns in each individual hoistingdevice in such a manner, that the control panel steps all the operationof the equipment automatically and signaiizes for the occurred incorrectoperation.

In order to reaiize these securing operations every hoisting device isprovided with a hydraulic safety valve, which can be adjusted on adetermined pressure, a throttle for the damping of the mechanical strokeduring the change over the return path and with electric interlockingcontacts, the latter controlling the normal screwing operation of thesupporting nuts.

For the processing of the information, supplied by the different safetymeans, the control panel is provided with the respective safetyinterlocking circuits.

We claim:

1. A system for elevating a body, e.g. in building construe tion,comprising a plurality of lifting devices spaced along said body andeachincluding an upper and a lower member, at least one threaded rodanchored to said body and extending through said members, a hydraulicjack coupling said members for separating same, an electromotor-drivenpump connected to the respective jack for hydraulically energizing same,and mechanism on each of said members including a nut threadedlyengaging the respective rod and operable to clamp said members along therod; and synchronizing means for controlling said devices, saidsynchronizing means including first switch means individual to each ofsaid devices for energizing the respective pump, second switch meanscommon to ail said devices for energizing said first switch rneans uponthe establishment of a predetermined elevation level at each saiddevice, and third switch means individual to each said device andincluding a plurality of contacts representing a plurality of suchlevels and a wiper engaging the successive contacts of each third switchmeans upon the attainment of the corresponding level of elevation ofsaid body at the respective device, all said third switch means beingconnected to said second switch means for activating the latter onlyupon engagement of the corresponding contact at each third switch meansby the respective wipers.

2. The system defined in claim 1 wherein each of said devices isprovided with a hydraulic network connecting the respective pump andjack and further comprising a reservoir, distribution valve meansconnecting said jack and said pump selectively with the reservoir, anddamping means for restricting the contraction of said jack.

3. The system defined in claim 1 wherein said first switch meansincludes a first relay connected in circuit with the respective pump oneach said device, said second switch means inciudes a pair of relaysassociated with each of said levels for at least three such levels, andthe contacts of said third switch means are connected in parallel withone relay of each of said pair assigned to the respective level.

4. The system defined in ciaim 3, further comprising respective lamps inseries with each of said contacts.

5. The system defined in claim 1, further comprising a respectivemanometer monitoring the pressure in each of said jacks for controllingsame.

6. The system defined in claim I, further comprising means for operatingeach of said mechanism upon the attainment of the corresponding level ateach such device.

1. A system for elevating a body, e.g. in building construction,comprising a plurality of lifting devices spaced along said body andeach including an upper and a lower member, at least one threaded rodanchored to said body and extending through said members, a hydraulicjack coupling said members for separating same, an electromotor-drivenpump connected to the respective jack for hydraulically energizing same,and mechanism on each of said members including a nut threadedlyengaging the respective rod and operable to clamp said members along therod; and synchronizing means for controlling said devices, saidsynchronizing means including first switch means individual to each ofsaid devices for energizing the respective pump, second switch meanscommon to all said devices for energizing said first switch means uponthe establishment of a predetermined elevation level at each saiddevice, and third switch means individual to each said device andincluding a plurality of contacts representing a plurality of suchlevels and a wiper engaging the successive contacts of each third switchmeans upon the attainment of the corresponding level of elevation ofsaid body at the respective device, all said third switch means beingconnected to said second switch means for activating the latter onlyupon engagement of the corresponding contact at each third switch meansby the respective wipers.
 2. The system defined in claim 1 wherein eachof said devices is provided with a hydraulic network connecting therespective pump and jack and further comprising a reservoir,distribution valve means connecting said jack and said pump selectivelywith the reservoir, and damping means for restricting the contraction ofsaid jack.
 3. The system defined in claim 1 wherein said first switchmeans includes a first relay connected in circuit with the respectivepump on each said device, said second switch means includes a pair ofrelays associated with each of said levels for at least three suchlevels, and the contacts of said third switch means are connected inparallel with one relay of each of said pair assigned to the respectivelevel.
 4. The system defined in claim 3, further comprising respectivelamps in series with each of said contacts.
 5. The system defined inclaim 1, further comprising a respective manometer monitoring thepressure in each of said jacks for controlling same.
 6. The systemdefined in claim 1, further comprising means for operating each of saidmechanism upon the attainment of the corresponding level at each suchdevice.